BRMC team is here for you. COVID-19 has changed the way we are connecting and working. Although we can’t be together physically, as we normally love to do, there is so much we can create, share and do to keep each other supported, harmonious and safe through the pandemic. All of our staff are available by phone and online and our services continue.
Stepping Stones to Small Business
Our graduates from the 2019 program are developing business plans and marketing and are being matched with mentors. Due to COVID-19 coronavirus, the May 12 starting date of the 2020 Stepping Stones to Small Business Program has been postponed to a time to be advised.
We are still interested in learning about the women interested in participating in the Program, so you are welcome to enrol through Brotherhood of St Laurence Stepping Stones: www.bsl.org.au/services/refugees-immigration-multiculturalism/stepping-stones
I will be collecting your enrolment information and contact details, and will regularly update you about how Stepping Stones is working toward a start date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at steppingstones@brmc.org.au
I look forward to welcoming you to the sisterhood of Stepping Stones as soon as possible – and in the meantime keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy!
Deborah Klein
Stepping Stones to Small Business
Ballarat Regional Coordinator
Good Governance Program
The Good Governance program has trained mentors ready to assist community organisations. We are all set to deliver online, supporting mentors to participate in a mutually enriching dialogue with community organisations who have nominated for this support.
The program, delivered by BRMC in partnership with the Centre for Participation, promotes stronger, more cohesive and resilient communities by boosting good governance practices in community organisations. We work across twelve common needs of community organisations and match mentors to suit your needs.
For updates or to express your interest email the Ballarat program coordinator, Sara Kaur, at s.kaur@brmc.org.au
Migration and Settlement Services
Migration and Settlement Services offers a range of support and community links to assist people in their first five years as refugees or vulnerable migrants.
At present our Settlement Services coordinator is available to clients over the phone and online. Please contact Deruka if you are seeking support with employment, education, housing, information about health or other community links and supports.
Interpreter services are available if needed and we want to hear from you: d.dekuek@brmc.org.au or 03 5383 0613.
Diversity Homework Club
Diversity Homework Club will be conducting online learning through Zoom video in Term 2.
If you know a young person who could use some help with their school work, contact Deruka at d.dekuek@brmc.org.au
Migrant English Program
Most of our local volunteer English tutors and students are in virtual contact. They are catching up through classes and conversations online via clients’ computer and mobile screens within the safe confines of their homes in Ballarat and surrounds.
Through the support of the Victorian Strategic Engagement Coordinator (SEC) program we are now also extending volunteer tutoring to Beaufort and Ararat. We will be pleased to hear from people interested in being trained volunteer tutors and people in need of English tutoring support.
For details email Sara at s.kaur@brmc.org.au
Senior Services
We have been keeping in contact with our seniors over the phone and it is wonderful to hear they are in good spirits and taking a positive approach to the challenging times we find ourselves in.
Senior Services physical contact and group activities are suspended so we are keeping in contact by phone and email and until we can safely re-introduce our social gatherings: Multicultural Tucker, Seasonal Lunches, Bus Trips, Health and Wellbeing Days, Social Hub, Tai Chi and Home Visiting. We are very sorry that we cannot safely deliver these wonderful gatherings at present.
Senior Services are offering support with shopping, medication collection, telephone support and meals. We will be delivering additional meals throughout the month of April. Once dates are confirmed for future meal deliveries we will keep you updated on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/brmc.ballarat
If you know of a senior in need of support please contact Teresa Azzopardi on 0417 109 052. We are here to assist in whatever way we can.
Best wishes and stay safe, stay home.
